It's kind of hard to see the LCD on bright daylight. I did purchase the Panasonic viewfinder, but I you can get an optical viewfinder (old Leica or voigtlander) used it'll be a good idea, it has to be 40mm. That'll work.

I use the external finder for 98% of my shots. Wouldn't have bought the camera without it as I've never liked shooting with just the LCD screen. It could certainly have a better resolution and be a bit brighter, but it works well and the camera will still fit in a jacket pocket with it. If you're coming from a DSLR, save up a bit more and buy it for sure.

I have a somewhat different experience than the other responders to your post. I've used P&S cameras with only LCDs for a number of years, and only occasionally does the bright sun seriously impede the view. With my GF1, I use the EVF about half the time. Using the LCD -- holding the camera as close to your eyes as comfortable, with your elbows tucked into your sides for extra stability -- provides a view that in some ways allows for better, more considered composition than with an EVF or an OVF on a DSLR. Sort of like a view camera, but right way up.

If necessary to block the sun, a Hoodman Loupe works very well. It's not cheap, but about half the price of the EVF.

I'm actually deciding whether to purchase the live view finder or the hoodman for the GF1. I've only owned a p&s (so it's just been LCD for years - like Vic B) and I don't really know if it's wise to splurge on a viewfinder/hoodman. Is it best to shoot with a viewfinder?

I have to admit this though. I have the 14-45mm lens for the GF1 and since this is my first non p&s, I'm not used to manually zooming the lens.

I didn't purchase an EVF with my GF1, but I'm happy w/o it. Even if I find myself putting the camera up to my face after using my DSLR. I will admit that it would be useful during bright days, but I've managed w/o it.

All I wanted was an exceptional camera that would fit into my pockets and was fast to use so I have a GF1 and both the 20 mm and the 14-45 mm lenses, and no external EVF.

I suspect your decision to buy the EVF should be based on how you shoot. If you are going to do close ups, extreme telephoto, sports/action or a lot of midday shooting I would consider it. If these are not your main reasons to have the camera then you don't need an EVF.

For me there is no downside in not having an EVF but then you may not shoot like I do. The up side is I have an extra $200 in your pocket and one less piece of equipment to worry about (I loose things).

In fact if I had to do it all over I would not buy the 14-45 mm lens, but that says more about my shooting style than the value of the lens.

I would say the EVF definitely serves a purpose, and that would be primarily for days when you'll be outside in bright sunlight, as the screen does get quite washed out. If you know you'll only be using the 20mm, or at least primarily using on that lens, I would also suggest an optical viewfinder. I have the olympus vf-1, which was intended to be paired with the olympus 17mm lens, however I have found it is a perfect match to the 20mm (which is a 40mm equivalent field of view). A quick search shows they sell used on ebay for about $60-80, which might be a reasonably priced alternative.

I came from the DSLR to the GF1 with the EVF. I find that I use it about 1/2 the time. Again as others have said the evf works great in bright light. The other reason I like the evf is that it has a diopter. Being a little older I am able to adjust it and don't need my glasses when setting up the shot. It is a little aggravating that you need to manually switch back and forth between the evf and lcd. Is it worth the additional money. You can get used to shooting from the lcd, but I like having both. Since I still shoot with my DLSR I automatically pull either camera to my eye.

Well I bought the viewfinder for my GF1 from France at a really cheap price. It sat in my cupboard because I never actually needed it and then I decided to sell it on ebay. And I made way more out of it than what I bought it for, so in conclusuion, yes, I am glad I bought the viewfinder:smile:

I keep the EVF mounted all the time, but only use it when necessary. I shot this year's SoFoBoMo project at several beaches, and the LCD was completely useless. Even the EVF leaked so much light that it was good only for framing.

But I think in most lighting the LCD is fine. Certainly nothing like a DSLR, but usually good enough. I agree if you are using only the 20 that an optical viewfinder would be worth trying. I've heard the PEN 17mm optical viewfinder works well on the GF1.

IMO if you're going to use the EVF all the time with the GF, you might as well get a G1/G2 since it has better ergonomics, and it's not significantly larger than the GF+EVF combination. There's a lot of advantages to using the EVF. The main one people have mentioned is sunlight visibility. Another would be increased stability for taking macro, low light, or large focal length shots - the extra contact point with the camera against your face is very beneficial in those situations.

The GF only has an advantage over the G-series if used without the EVF, and with smaller lenses like the 20/1.7.

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